BR102016002382A2 - self-acting pressure activated drain valve, and fluid drainage method - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-actuated pressure activated drain valve includes at least one inlet configured to receive a fluid. a drainage passage delivers fluid to at least one outlet from which fluid is expelled. The self-actuated pressure-activated drain valve also includes a flexible diaphragm configured to operate in an open position and a closed position based on one pressure only. The flexible diaphragm is normally biased in the open position so that fluid is delivered from at least one inlet to at least one outlet through the drainage passage. pressure, however, initiates the closed position such that air is prevented from flowing through the drainage passage.

Description

“SELF-ACTURED PRESSURE ACTIVATED DRAIN VALVE AND, FLUID DRAIN METHOD” TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to fluid drainage valves, and more particularly to a self-actuated pressure activated drainage valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicles, such as commercial airline vehicles, for example, include environmental control systems (ECSs) that operate to control pressure and environmental conditions to improve passenger and crew comfort. When ECSs are turned off and exposed to wet and cold ambient air conditions, the temperature differential between the ECS and ambient air may cause water to condense, which after a period of time results in water accumulation (ie, water pooling) from one or more ECS locations.

Conventional methods for preventing water accumulation consist of drilling holes in various positions of the ECS where water normally accumulates. Although the holes allow water to drain, the holes remain open at all times, regardless of whether the ECS is running or turned off. Therefore, the drilled holes remain open during ECS operation, which results in flow loss through the ECS. As a result, the overall efficiency of the ECS is at the same time reduced, which causes an undesirable increase in aircraft fuel consumption. To reduce flow loss, holes are typically sized as small as possible. When the holes are too small, however, debris (eg dust, dust, etc.) may clog the holes and prevent water from draining properly from the ECS.

SUMMARY

According to a non-restrictive embodiment, a self-actuated pressure activated drain valve includes at least one inlet configured to receive fluid. A drainage passage delivers fluid to at least one outlet from which fluid is expelled. The self-actuated pressure-activated drain valve also includes a flexible diaphragm configured to operate in an open position and a closed position based on one pressure only. The flexible diaphragm is usually biased in the open position so that fluid is delivered from at least one inlet to at least one outlet through the drainage passage. The pressure, however, initiates the closed position such that air is prevented from flowing through the drainage passage.

According to another non-restrictive embodiment, a method of draining fluid through a self-actuated pressure-activated drain valve comprises positioning a flexible diaphragm above a drainage passage, and interposing at least least one self-actuated pressure-activated drain valve inlet between a fluid path and the drainage passage. The method includes tilting the flexible diaphragm in an open position when a first pressure around the self-actuated pressure activated drain valve is less than or equal to a second pressure within the drainage passage such that fluid is discharged. distributed through the drainage passage. The method further includes dropping the flexible diaphragm to a closed position that seals the first opening in response to the first pressure being the pressure greater than the second pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[006] The subject matter of the invention is particularly emphasized and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. Both the foregoing and other features as well as advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which: FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a self-actuated pressure activated drain valve in a non-restrictive embodiment; FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the self-actuated pressure activated drain valve shown in FIG. AI operating in an open position; FIG. 1C illustrates fluid flowing through the self-actuated pressure activated drain valve shown in FIGS. 1A-1B when operating in the open position; FIG. 2A illustrates a diaphragm of the self-actuated pressure activated drain valve shown in FIG. IA when operating in a closed position;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the self-actuated pressure activated drain valve shown in FIG. 2A FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a self-actuated pressure activated drain valve in a non-restrictive embodiment; FIG. 3B illustrates fluid flowing through the self-actuated pressure activated drain valve shown in FIG. 3A when operating in the open position; FIG. 3C illustrates a diaphragm of the self-actuated pressure activated drain valve shown in FIGS. 3A-3C when operating in a closed position; and FIG. 4A is a first view of a self-actuated pressure activated drain valve installed in an environmental control system in a non-restrictive embodiment; and FIG. 4B is a second view of a self-actuated pressure activated drain valve installed in an environmental control system, taken along line AA 'showing a fluid flowing through a drainage passage when operating in the open position according to with a non-restrictive modality.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various non-restrictive embodiments of the invention provide a self-actuated pressure-activated drain valve that does not require active control or input from an input microcontroller and / or the individual actuator. The self-activated pressure activated drain valve can be arranged in a system that varies the pressure around according to the state of the system: operational or off. When the system is off (ie not operating), the self-actuated pressure-activated drain valve is normally biased in the open position so that fluid (eg water) can be expelled through a drainage passage. of the valve. When, however, the system is in operation (ie, on), the increased pressure induces the valve to a closed position. Accordingly, the drainage passage is sealed such that air leakage through the drainage passage is prevented. In this way the pressure inside ECS is maintained and overall efficiency is improved. Since the drainage passage can be selectively closed, the diameter of the drainage passage can be larger than conventional holes without causing undesirable flow losses.

Now, with reference to FIG. 1A, a self-actuated pressure activated drain valve 100 (hereinafter referred to as a self-actuated pressure valve 100) is illustrated according to a non-restrictive embodiment. The self-actuated pressure valve 100 includes a housing 102 having one or more outer walls 104 extending between an upper side 106 and a lower side 108. The housing 102 defines an internal cavity containing a drainage passage 110. Drainage passage 110 includes a first opening 112 and a second opening 114 disposed opposite the first opening 112. The outer wall 104 has one or more inlet ports 116 in fluid communication with the first opening 112, and the lower side 108 has at least one outlet 118 in fluid communication with the second aperture 114. Edge 119 extends radially along a plane between inlets 116 and first aperture 112. Flange 119 is configured to direct fluid along a flow path (i.e. the upper surface of the lip 119) extending from each inlet 116 to the first opening 112. Thus, a plurality of flow paths are defined around the circumference. reference to the edge 119. According to one embodiment, the drainage passage 110 extends perpendicular to the flow paths (e.g. the edge 119). In this manner, the drainage passage 110 may be aligned in parallel with the normal gravitational force such that fluid entering the first opening 112 falls through the drainage passage 110 and exits the self-actuated pressure relief valve 100. through the second opening 114.

The self-actuated pressure valve 100 further includes a flexible diaphragm 120 supported by the upper part 106. The diaphragm 120 comprises various elastomeric materials including, but not limited to, a silicone. Diaphragm material 120 may also be selected according to the temperature range in which it operates at the valve location. For example, in places where temperatures are low (e.g., -20 degrees), diaphragm 120 may comprise unreinforced silicone. At places where temperatures are moderate (e.g. 300 degrees), diaphragm 120 may comprise silicone reinforced with, for example, polyester. At locations where temperatures are high (e.g., 500 degrees), diaphragm 120 may comprise aramid polymer-reinforced silicone. According to a non-restrictive embodiment, diaphragm 120 is positioned above drainage passage 110 such that a gap is defined between diaphragm 120 and lip 119. Diaphragm 120 is inclined in an open position when a first pressure in around the self-actuated pressure valve 100 is less than or equal to a second pressure within the drainage passage 110. When operating in the open position, the first opening 112 is exposed to the inlets 116. Therefore, the fluid which The entry through one or more of the inlets 116 is directed to the first opening 112, and in turn travels through the drainage passage 110, where it is expelled through the second opening 114 (see FIG. 1C).

Turning now to FIGS. 2A-2B, the auto-100 pressure valve is shown operating in a closed position. The closing position is self-induced in response to the first pressure around the self-actuated pressure valve 100 being greater than the second pressure within the drainage passage 110, which in turn drops diaphragm 120. This that is, the self-actuating pressure valve 100 induces the closed position based solely on a pressure differential without the need for any electronics and / or actuators. When diaphragm 120 falls, the first opening 112 is closed, thereby preventing fluid (e.g. water, air, etc.) from entering drainage passage 110. When differential pressure returns to conditions where the first pressure in around the self-actuated pressure activated drain valve 100 is less than or equal to a second pressure within the drainage passage 110, the diaphragm 120 returns to its normal inclined open position such that the first opening 112 is displaced and fluid may flow back into the drainage passage 110.

Turning now to Figures 3A-3B, a self-actuated pressure activated drain valve 200 is illustrated according to another non-restrictive embodiment. Self-actuated pressure valve 200 includes a housing 202 having an outer wall 204 extending between an upper side 206 and a lower side 208. The housing 202 defines an inner cavity containing a drainage passage 210. Drainage 210 includes a first opening 212 and a second opening 214 disposed opposite the first opening 212. Outer wall 204 has one or more inlet ports 216 formed on a single side of outer wall 204. Inlet 216 is in communication with each other. first opening 212, and the underside 208 has at least one outlet 218 in fluid communication with the second opening 214. A solid rear part 217 is formed in front of inlet 216. Solid back part 217 prevents fluid flows through it and redirects fluid to first port 212. Therefore, self-actuated pressure-activated drain valve 200 acts as a one-way drain valve nal. An edge 219 extends along a plane between inlet 216 and first opening 212. Flange 219 is configured to direct fluid along a single flow path extending from inlet 216 and first opening 212. According to one embodiment, the drainage passage 210 extends perpendicular to the flow paths (e.g., lip 219). In this way, the drainage passage 210 may be aligned in parallel with the normal gravitational force such that fluid entering the first opening 212 falls through the drainage passage 210 and exits the self-actuated pressure relief valve 200. through the second opening 214.

The self-actuated pressure valve 200 further includes a flexible diaphragm 220 supported by the top 206. According to one embodiment, the diaphragm 220 includes a flexible propping portion 221 configured to open and close based on a differential of pressure perceived by the self-actuated pressure relief valve 200. Diaphragm 220 comprises various elastomeric materials including, but not limited to, a silicone. According to a non-restrictive embodiment, diaphragm 220 is positioned above drainage passage 210 such that a gap is defined between diaphragm 220 and lip 219. Diaphragm 220 is inclined in an open position when a first pressure in self-operated pressure valve 200 is less than or equal to a second pressure within the drainage passage 210. When operating in the open position, the first opening 212 is exposed to the first inlet 216. Therefore, the fluid which Entering inlet 216 is directed to first opening 212, and in turn travels through drainage passage 210, where it is expelled through second opening 214 (see FIG. 3B).

Turning now to FIG. 3C, self-actuated pressure relief valve 200 is shown operating in a closed position. The closed position is self-induced in response to the first pressure around the self-actuated pressure valve 200 being greater than the second pressure within the drainage passage 210, which in turn drops the strut 221 against the lip. 219. That is, the self-actuated pressure valve 200 induces the closed position based solely on a pressure differential without the need for any electronics and / or actuators. When the shoring portion 221 falls, the inlet 216 is sealed, thereby preventing fluid (e.g. water, air, etc.) from entering first opening 212. When the pressure differential returns to conditions where the first pressure around the self-actuated pressure activated drain valve 200 is less than or equal to a second pressure within the drainage passage 210, the shoring portion 221 returns to its normal slanted open position such that the inlet 216 is reopened (i.e. unsealed) and fluid may flow into first opening 212 and through drainage passage 210.

Turning now to Figures 4A-4B, an ECS 300 including a self-actuated pressure valve 302 installed at a drainage location 304 of a duct 306 is shown in a non-restrictive embodiment. Although the self-acting pressure valve 302 is shown to be installed in a duct 306, it should be noted that the self-acting pressure valve 302 may be installed in one or more other locations of the ECS, including but not limited to , headers, multiple rotating components, or other locations that are known to accumulate water and / or are expected to accumulate water. According to one embodiment, the self-actuated pressure valve 302 is installed such that at least one inlet 308 is positioned transversely to the air flow path in which the air flow (e.g. through duct 306 ) when the ECS 300 is operational (ie on).

Still referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, the ECS 300 is shown after being recently turned off. Therefore, air flow stops flowing through the duct 306 along the flow path, thereby reducing the pressure around the self-actuated pressure valve 302. That is, when the ECS system is turned off, the pressure in the duct 306 reaches ambient pressure. As a result, a first pressure around the self-actuated pressure valve 302 becomes less than or equal to a second pressure within the drainage passage 310 such that the diaphragm 312 is slanted in the open position and the inlet 308 (ie the drainage passage) is uncorked (ie open). As the temperature inside the duct 306 decreases over time, the water vapor contained in the air inside the duct 306 condenses causing fluid (for example water) to accumulate at the drainage site 304. Accumulated water is collected from inlet 308 and directed to drainage passage 310, where it is expelled (i.e. drained) from duct 306.

When the ECS 300 resumes operation (not shown in FIGS. 4A-4B), the air flowing through the duct 306 causes the first pressure around the self-actuated pressure activated drain valve 302 to be greater. than the second pressure within the drainage passage 310. Accordingly, the diaphragm 312 is self-induced to the closed position and the inlet 308 (i.e. the drainage passage) is sealed (i.e. closed) as described. in detail above. Since the drainage passage 310 is sealed, air leakage through the flow path 310 is prevented thereby maintaining pressure within the duct 306. Thus, the overall efficiency of the ECS 300 is improved.

Although the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Instead, the invention may be modified to incorporate any number of equivalent variations, changes, substitutions or arrangements not hitherto described but commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, although various embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the embodiments described. Accordingly, the invention is not to be construed as limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (15)

1. Self-acting pressure activated drain valve, characterized in that it comprises: at least one inlet configured to receive a fluid; at least one outlet configured to expel the fluid; and a drainage passage including a first fluid communicating opening with at least one inlet and a second fluid communicating opening with at least one outlet; and a flexible diaphragm configured to operate in an open position and a closed position based on a pressure, wherein the flexible diaphragm is normally inclined in the open position so that fluid is delivered from at least one inlet to the At least one outlet through the drainage passage. Self-acting pressure-activated drain valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the diaphragm is configured to collapse when operating in the closed position to block fluid displacement between the first opening and the second opening. . Self-acting pressure-activated drain valve according to claim 2, characterized in that the diaphragm is configured to be in the open inclined position when a first pressure around the self-acting pressure-activated drain valve is less than or equal to a second pressure within the drainage passage, and is configured to close in response to the situation in which the first pressure is greater than the second pressure. Self-acting pressure activated drain valve according to claim 3, further characterized by the fact that it comprises a housing defining an internal cavity containing the first opening. Self-acting pressure activated drain valve according to claim 4, characterized in that the diaphragm comprises an elastomeric material. Self-acting pressure activated drain valve according to claim 5, characterized in that the drainage passage is perpendicular to the at least one inlet. Self-actuated pressure-activated drainage valve according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing has a cylindrical shape including an outer wall extending between an upper side and a lower side, and at least an inlet including a plurality of inlets formed in the outer wall. Self-actuated pressure-activated drainage valve according to claim 7, characterized in that the upper side supports the diaphragm, and the first opening is surrounded by each inlet between the plurality of inlets. Self-acting pressure activated drain valve according to claim 8, characterized in that the diaphragm falls into the inner cavity and seals the first opening when operating in the closed position. Self-acting pressure activated drain valve according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing includes a front portion having a fluid inlet and a solid rear portion opposite the inlet to prevent fluid from flow past the rear portion and to redirect fluid toward the first opening. Self-acting pressure-activated drain valve according to claim 10, characterized in that the diaphragm includes a flexible shoring at the front of the housing, the flexible shoring is configured to close and lock the inlet when operating in position. closed. 12. Fluid drainage method using a self-actuated pressure-activated drain valve, the method comprising: positioning a flexible diaphragm above a drainage passage, interposing at least one drain valve inlet activated by self-acting pressure between a fluid flow path and the drainage passage; tilt the flexible diaphragm in an open position when a first pressure around the self-actuated pressure activated drain valve is less than or equal to a second pressure within the drainage passage such that fluid is distributed through the drainage passageway. ; and tipping the flexible diaphragm to a closed position that seals the first opening in response to the first pressure being greater than the second pressure. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the drainage passage is perpendicular to the at least one inlet. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the diaphragm blocks the air flow through the drainage passage when dropped to the closed position. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the diaphragm comprises an elastomeric material.